After a stellar start to the season, the New York Jets are on a two-game skid. But it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet.
Realistically, the Jets should be more than happy to be 3–2 when looking at their first five games at the start of the season.
What’s unsettling is the way they lost to the Dolphins 31–27 on Monday night in front of a national audience.
Giving up 21 points in the fourth quarter is unacceptable for a team that prides itself on its defense.
And allowing a 13-play, 70-yard drive that took 4:59 off the clock at the end of the game can’t happen.
No one other than the mastermind behind the defense took all the blame.
“A complete embarrassment by our defense and by me,” head coach Rex Ryan said in the post-game press conference. “Obviously we got to prepare better. I never had the defense prepared the way they should be. I take full responsibility for that.”
Ryan also took responsibility for leaving his offense with just six seconds left to attempt a comeback.
“At the end I thought about using time outs but I said, ‘You know what, they’re not scoring,’” Ryan said. “I was wrong and they were able to punch it in.”
The Dolphins scored the two-yard touchdown with running back Ronnie Brown out of the wildcat formation—the formation that killed the Jets all game long.
Miami ran 16-plays out of the wildcat gaining 103 yards.
“I used to see all those gimmicks when I was coaching back in college,” Ryan said.
Call it what you will, but the team that introduced that “gimmick” in this league doesn't simply run it. They continue to perfect it.
Quarterback Chad Henne made his second career start and was more than just an efficient game manager for the Dolphins.
Henne went 20–26 for 241 yards with two touchdowns, without turning the ball over.
And Henne never felt the heat New York’s defense is supposed to constantly bring.
“We weren’t able to get pressure. We made that quarterback look like Dan Marino. He’s pretty good and he deserves credit,” said Ryan.
New York was also unable to shut down Miami on third down—the down Ryan dials up those blitzes, especially on third and long. The Dolphins were able to convert nine of 14 third downs.
“I’m kind of a loss of words for our defensive performance,” Ryan said. “Just a horrendous day for our defense.”
Edwards Excels
Despite the loss the Jets are more than happy with the play of their newest acquisition, wide receiver Braylon Edwards.
“He’s a big time receiver,” Ryan said. “That’s one thing we did right last week was make that trade for him and he’s going to be a huge factor for us moving forward.”
Edwards did not disappoint in his debut making a couple of incredible catches. He finished with 64 yards on five catches and a touchdown.
“Braylon is lights out. Just unbelievable,” Jets QB Mark Sanchez said. “I’ve never seen anyone catch the ball like that.”
And that’s what you get with Edwards—unbelievable catches.
Even with that, Edwards has suffered from drops. And he’s done so dating back to his time at Michigan.
Edwards would make ridiculous catches while dropping some easy ones.
On Monday night, Edwards showed the former. Now it’s wait and see on the latter.
But you couldn’t have asked for a much better performance from a guy who’s only had a few days to practice with a new quarterback. Once the two get their timing down, Edwards should have some huge games.
Without Edwards, New York ran a lot of quick slants and hitch routes. Now they have the 6’3” 215 lbs. wide out with the ability to stretch the field.
So there’s no need to for New York to worry just yet.
The defense had a poor performance for the first time all year. It happens.
Sanchez was mediocre and didn’t look accurate going just 12–24 for 172 yards with a touchdown.
By acquiring Edwards the offense could become pretty explosive even with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
And when it comes down to it, the Jets are still 3–2 and atop the division. Now it’s time to respond to some adversity.
Matt Sugam also writes for The Daily Targum at Rutgers University.
